Paleo-Friendly Diet for Beginners

Kick things off with a quick rundown, simple first steps and lots of delicious inspiration.

A paleo-friendly style of eating generally includes an emphasis on lean meats and seafood, fruits and vegetables (limited starchy vegetables), and nuts and seeds. If you’re trying out paleo-style eating for the first time, we have some must-try recipes and tips to get you going.

What is a paleo-friendly diet?

Paleo-friendly eating, also known as a Paleolithic diet, is all about keeping food simple and as unrefined as possible — think foods that were available by hunting and gathering, like produce, meat, seafood, nuts and seeds. Paleo-friendly foods typically do not include grains, legumes, refined sugar, certain oils and dairy.

Paleo vs. keto

While there are similarities to both of these styles of eating, one big difference is that paleo-style eating does not include dairy, and it does contain some fruit and starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Keto-style eating does include dairy but avoids starches and foods with a higher sugar content.

What’s on the menu?

By keeping a straightforward and unfussy kitchen philosophy, you might discover that really good ingredients have the chance to really shine. Roast a whole dinner at once with Peruvian-Style Roasted Chicken with Sweet Onion. (Grilling and roasting are great for keeping prep simple.) Discover new flavor and texture combinations with Kale Waldorf Salad. It’s all about creating big flavors that are low on effort.

What to eat:

  • Organic and seasonal vegetables

  • Leafy greens

  • Grass-fed meats

  • Pasture-raised pork and poultry

  • Eggs that are beyond cage-free

  • Sustainable wild-caught or Responsibly Farmed seafood

  • Avocados

What to avoid:

  • Grains

  • Legumes

  • Refined sugars

  • Dairy

  • Vegetable and hydrogenated oils

How to get started

From shopping and cooking tips to the best paleo-friendly snacks, get a strong start with these guides.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not intended as medical or health care information or advice. Please consult your health care professional(s) regarding all matters related to your diet and health, including any possible impact when starting any diet or continuing with a restricted diet on a long-term basis.

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